Hawaii Readies Itself for Affordable Care Act

The federal government is requiring that all states choose a package of health benefits for the uninsured -as the nation transitions to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (also known as Obamacare) by the year 2014.

State officials say the move towards the Affordable Care Act in 2014 won't be difficult - since many of Hawaii's existing health plans already meet at least some minimum requirements. They say HMSA's plan best suits the state's needs.

State Insurance Commissioner Gordon Ito says, "Some of the criteria that we had used in selecting was based on the benefit package that offered the most benefits, the affordability. We also considered what plan would create the least market disruption."

The Governor explains, "For those 80,000+ people in Hawaii, adults and kids, who are currently uninsured, we are now moving, as a result of this foundation that we've set with the Hawaii benefits package, to see that they have coverage by 2014."

Officials say this announcement won't affect the majority of Hawaii residents because most are insured. They can't say, just yet, how much the plan will cost those currently uninsured, but they expect tax credits, Medicaid expansion, and a health insurance exchange - called the Hawaii Health Connector - will help cut costs.

Exactly one year from today, October 1st, 2013, the Hawaii Health Connector will be open for business and folks can start shopping for their insurance. Their coverage will take effect January 1st, 2014.

For more information, check out the state's website at hawaii.gov/dcca/ins.

When we asked Governor David Ige if he could beat Colleen Hanabusa in a potential match-up in 2018, he didn't hesitate with this response. "Certainly. I believe that I will be successful for any of those candidates that are considering it," he said. While Ige says he's sure he could win reelection in 2018, he says he doesn't know why powerful democratic forces are looking to defeat him with a candidate like Hanabusa in the primary election next August. "I don't know....

When we asked Governor David Ige if he could beat Colleen Hanabusa in a potential match-up in 2018, he didn't hesitate with this response. "Certainly. I believe that I will be successful for any of those candidates that are considering it," he said. While Ige says he's sure he could win reelection in 2018, he says he doesn't know why powerful democratic forces are looking to defeat him with a candidate like Hanabusa in the primary election next August. "I don't know....